Somerset has revealed its squad for this summer’s Metro Bank One Day Cup, appointing Lewis Goldsworthy as captain. With several first-team players committed to The Hundred and others sidelined by injury, the squad sees fresh faces stepping into pivotal roles.
Among the new additions are Ben Church, a rising star from the Somerset Academy; Savin Perera, a top-order batter from the South Asian Cricket Academy; and Johnny Connell, a talented batsman from Berkshire. Their inclusion addresses the absence of established players such as Will Smeed, Tom Banton, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Tom Abell, the Rew brothers, Lewis Gregory, and Craig Overton, who are currently competing in The Hundred. Injuries to Alfie Ogborne and Fin Hill further necessitated bolstering the squad.
Eighteen-year-old Ben Church is a right-handed batter and wicket-keeper from Bath. His cricketing journey started at Lansdowne CC and Bath CC before joining the Somerset Pathway at Under-10 level. Church attended Beechen Cliff School and later Taunton School, developing through the Academy system.
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Johnny Connell, aged 23, debuted for Berkshire in 2022 and notably scored 150 runs in a 50-over match against Middlesex at Falkland. He has amassed five centuries across formats for Berkshire and scored a century for the National Counties XI against Zimbabwe Emerging in 2024. Connell also contributed to the team defending the European T10 title in Spain the same year.
Savin Perera, 27, is a left-handed top-order batter and former England Under-19 international. This summer, he has impressed in Somerset’s Second XI County Championship matches, scoring 282 runs at an average of 70.50, including a high score of 113.
Captain Lewis Goldsworthy expressed his pride, saying, “It’s an honor to lead this side. The backing from the Club is a huge confidence boost. Somerset has a rich history in this format, and I hope to continue that legacy. Although we lose many players to The Hundred, the Metro Bank One Day Cup provides young talent with invaluable First Team experience. It’s a platform to play under pressure in front of large crowds and quality opposition, which will aid their growth.”
Highlighting the pathway from youth to senior cricket, Goldsworthy added, “Players like James and Thomas Rew have used this competition as a springboard to become First Team regulars. This opportunity is significant for the younger players, and I intend to lead by example while leaning on the experience of senior teammates.”
Somerset Head Coach Jason Kerr expressed enthusiasm for the tournament, stating, “While key players are away, this creates opportunities for emerging talent to showcase their skills in high-pressure situations. Our goal remains unchanged — to win every game and maintain Somerset’s proud cricketing tradition. The squad understands the expectations and is determined to meet them.”
Kerr also highlighted the new additions: “Ben Church is a product of our Academy and will contribute both behind the stumps and with the bat. Savin Perera has consistently scored in the Second Team and fully deserves this chance. Johnny Connell is an exciting talent known for making centuries against First-Class counties, adding much-needed depth to our batting lineup.”
With a mix of youthful promise and strategic additions, Somerset enters the Metro Bank One Day Cup ready to build on past successes despite the challenges posed by player availability.